Mission Bharpoor 2.0: A Collective Step Towards Nourishing Himachal’s Future
The CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, hosted an Awareness Program on Health and Nutrition on 9 April 2026, bringing together the Himachal Pradesh State Food Commission, district authorities, and grassroots field workers. The event marked the launch of Mission Bharpoor 2.0, a renewed effort to combat childhood malnutrition and promote food safety across Kangra district.
The program was graced by dignitaries including Sh. Bal Mukund Sharma, IAS, Chairman of the State Food Commission, Punjab, as Chief Guest, alongside Dr. SP Katyal, Chairman of the State Food Commission, Himachal Pradesh, and Sh. Vinay Kumar, IAS, ADC Kangra, as Guests of Honour. Representatives from the Departments of Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, as well as Anganwadi and ASHA workers, joined hands in this mission.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, emphasized the institute’s role in tackling malnutrition in the Himalayan region. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between departments and the integration of innovative, bioresource-based technologies into nutrition programs and public distribution systems.
The dignitaries praised the institute’s efforts, noting that such initiatives are vital for improving the nutritional status of citizens. Phase-1 of Mission Bharpoor had already shown remarkable success, reducing cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) among children. Nearly 70% of the 920 children covered showed improvements in body weight, BMI, and reductions in stunting and wasting.
With Mission Bharpoor 2.0, the program now aims for wider coverage across Kangra district, ensuring that fortified food products developed by CSIR-IHBT reach more children and families. Launched during POSHAN Pakhwada (9–23 April 2026), this initiative stands as a beacon of hope for healthier futures in Himachal Pradesh.
